• The Eye On The Prize With Reuben Cohen: How To Become A Mastering Engineer



    An Interview with Mastering Engineer Reuben Cohen

    Every song you love has one final step before it hits the world: mastering. And behind some of the biggest records of the past decade, that final step was guided by the skilled hands (and ears) of Reuben Cohen. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody sit down with the award-winning mastering engineer for an inspiring conversation about his early beginnings, his career journey, and the incredible music he’s helped bring to life.

    From building a business in the highly competitive world of audio to becoming a trusted name for artists like Metallica, Pharrell, and Distinto, Reuben shares stories that reveal the dedication and artistry behind mastering. The discussion doesn’t stop at music—his credits extend into film soundtracks, making his perspective invaluable for anyone curious about the crossover between music and cinema.

    Chris and Jody guide the conversation with their signature mix of humor and expertise, diving into topics like:

    • Reuben’s early steps into mastering and how he carved his path in the industry.
    • The importance of keeping an “eye on the prize” as a mastering engineer.
    • Building and running a mastering business in today’s industry landscape.
    • The gear he can’t live without, and why certain tools still matter even in a digital-first world.
    • Behind-the-scenes insights into mastering for some of the world’s biggest songs and soundtracks.

    As always, there’s plenty of personality, laughs, and a splash of nonsense to keep things fun. And don’t miss the weekly Friday Finds, where Chris and Jody spotlight fresh tools, plugins, or musical inspirations you can explore in your own sessions.

    Whether you’re a producer, engineer, or simply a fan who wants to understand the hidden craft behind hit records, this episode offers a rare look inside the world of one of the most respected mastering engineers working today.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

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    The Bricasti M7 Reverb: A Dive Into An Iconic Modern Reverb in Recording History



    The Bricasti M7 Reverb Deep Dive

    Some gear becomes legendary because it broke new ground. Other gear becomes legendary because it simply does its job so well that nothing else compares. The Bricasti M7 is firmly in the second category—a modern classic in the world of reverb units, beloved by engineers and producers alike for its stunning realism and lush soundscapes. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody dive headfirst into the shimmering depths of the Bricasti M7, exploring its history, design, controls, and favorite uses.

    The M7 didn’t appear out of thin air—it was created by a team of engineers who knew their way around digital reverbs, bringing expertise from one of the most respected names in pro audio. Chris and Jody unpack the history and timing of the unit, explaining who made it, where they came from, and why it quickly earned its reputation as the “gold standard” for hardware reverb.

    Of course, gear reviews are never straightforward with these two. You’ll get their abnormal, conversational walkthrough of the controls and workflow, breaking down how the M7 operates and what makes it different from other reverbs. From tweaking early reflections to tailoring decay times, the unit offers precision and musicality that makes it a favorite on vocals, drums, strings, and everything in between.

    They also share their favorite uses of the Bricasti M7, from subtle touches of depth to massive cinematic ambiences. Whether you’re working in a large professional facility or experimenting with home studio gear, their insights give you practical recording setup tips to help bring space and emotion into your mixes.

    And because this is Inside the Recording Studio, expect the usual side of humor, a little nonsense, and the weekly Friday Finds—where Chris and Jody highlight tools and inspirations that keep creativity flowing.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why the Bricasti M7 isn’t just another box in the rack—it’s one of the most iconic reverbs in modern music history, and a tool that continues to inspire engineers worldwide.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

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    How To Use A De-Esser in Mixing Effectively



    De-Essers—The Unsung Heroes of Mixing

    Let’s be honest: no one gets excited about de-essers. They don’t have the instant wow factor of a lush reverb or the punch of a great compressor. But when sibilance strikes—when “s” sounds slice through a vocal or a hi-hat suddenly feels like an ice pick—this humble tool becomes your best friend. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody take a non-sexy but essential look at de-essers, explaining what they do, how they work, and which ones deserve a spot in your toolkit.

    A de-esser is essentially a specialized compressor that tames harsh, high-frequency content—most commonly sibilance in vocals, but also brittle cymbals, sharp acoustic guitars, or even aggressive synth sounds. Chris and Jody dive into how they operate, walking through the basics of detection, side-chaining, and band-specific compression.

    They then move into the practical side of using de-essers, covering:

    • How to know when sibilance actually needs fixing.
    • Why over-de-essing can kill the life of a performance.
    • Common mistakes to avoid when taming vocals.
    • Using de-essers creatively on instruments beyond vocals.

    You’ll also hear their recommendations for awesome de-essers, from classic hardware emulations to modern plugins that go far beyond basic fixes. Whether you’re working in a pro facility or using home studio gear, Chris and Jody share recording setup tips for making your mixes smoother without sounding dull.

    And because this is Inside the Recording Studio, you can expect some humor, real-world anecdotes, and the inevitable nonsense sprinkled in alongside the tech talk. Plus, don’t miss this week’s Friday Finds, where the guys highlight tools and ideas that can add even more sparkle to your sessions.

    By the end of this episode, your ears—and your listeners’ ears—will thank you. You’ll know how to tame the sharp edges in your mix, keep vocals clear and natural, and finally give de-essers the appreciation they deserve.

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    Gear we used:
    Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
    Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
    Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E

    Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.

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    If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com

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